So?

well, I don't know too many 72 year olds who are actually in touch with where this country is and what needs to be done to correct course. This is definitely something that is borne out in many of his policy comments. He's got his entire life behind him, not in front of him. Add to that the very real possibility of memory lapses or even dying while in the White House and you don't exactly have someone who is suited to be president. His VP and cabinet choices will matter more. We've already seen what an administration with a strong VP and unaccountable cabinet can do, is that what we really want for another four years?

^ So Obama or Clinton could be assasinated, or hit by a bus. What do you think became of all those people who fought for civil rights? (unlike McCain) The city I live in actually has a lot of elderly anti-war activists, because they have the time. I think McCain's problems are mental, not necessarily age releated. I have learned from some very brilliant people not to be age-ist. It's a very weak reason not to vote for this guy. Do you know many 72 year olds? Family doesn't count. And I'm not pro McCain, I'm anti age-ist.

My point was more one of probabilities. Which is more probable Obama getting hit by a bus, Clinton getting assassinated, or a 72 year old man dying from health complications?

And yes, I get that mental problems are not necessarily linked to old age, but they are more likely to be found among that age cohort. I know a few people in their seventies, mostly former college professors, who are of very sound mind and temperament. They are intelligent, thoughtful, and capable people. But that still doesn't change the fact that their worldview is sometimes colored by misunderstandings based on past biases and discourses. It is for that reason, not just how old McCain is, but how that informs his politics and policies, that I think his age is a fair issue.

Somewhat off topic now:
Isn't the whole idea of presidential requirements in its own way ageist? After all, you are required to be at least thirty-five years old. If such a lower limit can be placed because it is deemed that there needs to be a certain amount of maturity and experience to be president, why can there not be an upper limit which considers the effect of aging on the human brain and body? Or is it only ageist when you're complaining about, and/or discriminating against, old people?

*dead

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